., lisa jackson, was asked 157 questions during her nomination process. when congress convened in january, many of us, both veterans and newcomers, were concerned that this kind of obstructionism would persist in the new congress. we pushed hard for changes to the filibuster rules. we understood the passions on both sides of the issue and we listened to our colleagues. ultimately, the two sides reached a compromise, a compromise that many of us were concerned about. but it included a clear understanding that the democrats would not make substantial changes to the filibuster and, in return, the republicans would not abuse its use. but in the past three months, abuse has been piled on abuse. republicans have prevented votes on judges, on agency heads, and on administration secretaries. this is wrong republicans can vote is nothinge than obstructionism. blocking the business of government, the business of protecting people from cheating credit card companies or from mercury in the water or from unfair labor practices, this must stop. the president has done h